Whilst TikTok is mostly known for viral dance trends and its popularity with Gen Z, there is a sizeable community of home décor and renovation accounts. The -60second video format of TikTok is a great vehicle for bite-sized updates on longterm projects, or following particular creators. But don’t feel like you have to wade into TikTok unprepared, because I’ve handpicked five amazing accounts for you.
The 1880s Octagon
This account is run by Kate, one half of a newlywed couple renovating a Victorian house in Connecticut. When they bought the house in 2019, it was condemned, so though it was incredibly cheap, it requires large-scale renovations. Kate posts weekly renovation updates, tips and tricks, and spotlights on the house’s various quirks.
Based in South Australia, Chloe Jane shares the journey of renovating her 140 year old cottage. A professional writer and creative, Chloe is able to draw you into her life with her calming voice and beautiful backing tracks. Plus, she often shares videos of her fluffy highland cows – who could resist?
Just in case you forgot that TikTok is an app populated by teens, this school bus conversion will remind you! Chicago couple Emily and Joe canceled their honeymoon to buy a retired school bus, which they are now turning into a tiny home – on wheels! They are early in the building process, so you’ll be able to watch this unique conversion from the very beginning.
Run by professional upholsterer Hepzabeth Evans, this account is filled with magical stop motion videos as she restores old upholstery. She has over a decade of experience in upholstery restoration, and is now based in the English Cotswolds. Hepzabeth shares videos explaining her process, but sometimes lets the videos speak for themselves. Her account has really given me a new appreciation for the craftspeople who help make our homes amazing.
Pretty Distressed is run by Christina Muscari, a furniture refinisher working out of Tennessee. She takes tired old pieces and brings them to new life, sharing the results on her TikTok. Christina proudly encourages other people to do the same, sharing helpful tips, useful products, and inspiration for your own upcycling projects.
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An interior staple, enthusiasm for upholstery has continued to grow since the 17thcentury when people began to cushion chairs. And while interior trends change, upholstery remains a constant which is why we caught up with custom upholsterer Kerri Hollingsworth from an.ti.quate to give us the lowdown on the top upholstery trends for 2019.
Upcycling
“We all own furniture that is filled with history, usually being passed down from our parents or even grandparents; pieces we remember climbing on as children or sitting in while we had stories read to us. These pieces may have seen generations of love, but as a result they’re likely to be looking a bit worse for wear,” says Kerri who explains that this is where upcycling comes in.
With the upcycling upholstery movement, people are re-designing, re-imagining and re-purposing their beloved historic pieces for use in a modern context. “Upcycling can involve your existing pieces being refreshed or completely re-upholstered with the original style in mind, or you can even use the foundation of a piece to create something completely different for dramatic effect,” says Kerri.
Before
After
Statement pattern
“When considering how to work upholstery into your home, the easiest way to make an impact (and have fun while you’re doing it) is to shake up the status quo with statement patterns!” says Kerri. Statement colour and large-scale designs can really up your upholstery game. “And they’re a sure-fire way to add interest and evoke emotion within your home,” says Kerri.
Think mix and matched colours, patterns and sizes and don’t be afraid to experiment with a bold hue. “A great way to put the finishing touches on a room is to be bold and deliberate with colour – and it’s not as scary as you may think! These pieces say a lot more about your style and personality than a ‘safe’ neutral option,” says Kerri.
Natural fibres “Natural fibres tend to be inherently good quality, eco-friendly, breathable and lightweight, which makes them perfect for when you’re wanting to bring a feeling of the outside in. Incorporating natural fabrics into your home not only makes it sustainable and is generous on the environment but they allow your family to indulge in natural upholstery options that are pesticide-free and not synthetically produced,” says Kerri.
With current demand for sustainable materials quite high, we now have easy access to a diverse range of natural fabrics from linens to cottons, hemp and more.
One of Kerri’s bespoke textured ottomans
Unexpected textures “Going one step further than classic fabric options like leather and vinyl, winter in 2019 is showing a much more diverse range of fabrics and textures being creatively woven into our furniture options,” says Kerri who cites a recent restoration project as a great example of this. A black dyed Mongolian sheepskin transformed a mid-century style chair and ottoman entirely.
“It was designed as a shock-factor centerpiece for a client who loves traditional furniture styles but also likes to play around with texture as a medium of style and art,” says Kerri.
Kerri also cites ‘upholstery art’ as an emerging trend – this look involves weaving fibres and textiles along with natural additions for a unique look. “Some of my pieces have actual elements of naturally sourced bush bark and native grasses woven in for a highly textural statement effect.”
Kerri Hollingsworth is an upholstery artist, designer and zero waste advocate who founded an.ti.quate to provide quality, creatively unique upholstery pieces with an environmentally conscious edge. In her work, Kerri proves that you can reimagine furniture with a modern approach that is also sustainable in all its forms.
Not many businesses can say they’ve been designing and hand making upholstered furniture in Australia for three decades but family business Molmic can. In a market crowded with cheap, mass produced imports, this Melbourne brand has proven that people are still prepared to pay for craftmanship, customisation and quality. And even better, they make everything right here.
When you consider their longevity, it’s amazing to learn that founders Molly and Michael (yup, you can guess where the name Molmic comes from now!) McMahon fell into furniture designing and manufacturing by chance. With the combination of her background in children’s clothing and his technical engineering skills, they wanted to create a business together which was completely new and challenging.
Molly went on to Melbourne’s Holmesglen College in the late eighties to complete her furniture and upholstery apprenticeship, standing out amongst teachers and peers not only as the only female, but as a mother of three with another one on the way, amongst a younger, male-dominated group. A dedicated student, she was awarded the inaugural Reginald Muir scholarship; a study trip abroad visiting some of the world’s leading furniture manufacturers.
Celebrating a landmark 30 years in business this year, Molmic is as much about family as it is furniture. Molly and Michael’s children Anna, Alex, Anthony and John are very much involved in the business, but they also employ a pool of more than 50 talented and loyal local craftspeople and admin staff, many of whom have been part of the team since day one.
Mol and Mic centre, with the next generations of their family
“Our values are inspired by and founded on family life,” says creative director Anna McRae. “We cherish moments of energy, lives of passion and generations of trust. Our designs, craftsmanship and care are founded on the purpose of what we make – furniture that assumes an integral place in people’s lives. Not only must Molmic pieces serve a functional purpose, we endeavour to give them a life of their own.
“For 30 years now we have been inspired to design the very best in sofas and living furniture. We are proudly committed to our Aussie heritage, continuing our commitment to designing and making our lounge furniture locally in Australia.”
And if there’s one furniture purchase you want to get right, it’s the sofa!
“Your sofa is the single most important investment you can make for your living/family room,” Anna says. “For different people, a couch is variously a holder of great promise, a source of relaxation, and a vault of fond memories.But ultimately, our customers tell us it’s the place they want to collapse at the end of the day.Sofas play an integral part in people’s lives.”
Molmic’s number one core value is to produce the most loved sofas in Australia by continually sharing their family passion for sustainable design quality and comfort. And they do this through an intimate understanding of their customer’s needs by personally interacting with them.
Co-founder Michael can still be found hands on in the factory
They’re true to that old saying “buy well and buy once,” with pieces built to last and be passed down. Remember when people actually used to do that?!
“Our furniture is not throwaway, the materials we use must be ethically sourced (where possible, locally) and meet Australia’s high industry standards,” says Anna. The company makes continuous efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and produce sustainable design, which is a rarity in today’s furniture world.
In 2014, they launched the Elegant Muse collection in collaboration with interior designer and TV host Shaynna Blaze.
The Molmic Sofa Gallery store-in-store concept, launched last year in partnership with select retailers, provides customers with a breadth of product on display, showcasing the latest the brand has to offer and treat customers to different colours, textures, designs, sizes and product knowledge, all in situ.
Molmic’s most popular designs today
Aston
This contemporary sofa is bestseller with its slimline timber plinth and wider arm design. Available in many sizes, modular pieces, chair and ottoman, allowing you to pick the configuration that best suits you and your living space.
Hudson
Timeless and designed to complement any living space, Hudson’s luxurious comfort wrap feather seating gives the ‘sink in and never leave’ feel.
Shona
Their most popular modular design, Shona is all about family living.With many combinations for the perfect fit in your home, it provides high back comfort and comfy seat cushioning.
Cypress
Their latest design provides the ultimate in relaxed seating comfort. Cypress was carefully conceived from a styling point of view to span the classical/modernist gap, allowing it to fit into any environment, regardless of the preferred decorating style. In a velvet it has a classic luxury feel, in a linen or brushed cotton, a much more casual and inviting look. Modular pieces have also been added to allow the customer to create the L-shape one-arm and chaise combinations, adding more flexibility.
Ally
Scandinavian inspired simplicity, designed to complement any living space with apartment living and open spaces in mind. Featuring Molmic Comfort Support seating for added resilience and durability.
Ally on display at the Molmic Sofa Gallery in Bendigo
Rydel
Padded, feather-filled cushions in soft texture chenille evoke the inviting sink-in style of 1970s lounge seating, whilst elegant thin shelter arms create a sleek touch.
The future looks bright for Molmic. “We are excited,” says Anna. “Our new generation leadership team will see fresh energy and ideas for the brand’s future direction, diversifying and growing the Molmic Sofa Gallery in stores, expanding our product offer and distribution, cementing our key national retailers and continuing to support local economy.” New trade showrooms for Sydney and Brisbane are also being planned.
With forty years in the textile and upholstery trades, Portuguese born husband and wife team Carlos and Fernanda Rodrigues certainly know how to spot a quality fabric. “An upholsterer by trade, I was fortunate enough to work with the best antique dealers in Australia including Country Trader,” says Carlos who recently hatched a plant to bring high-end European fabrics direct to the consumer at heavily reduced prices, through his new business Provincial Fabric House.
Striped cotton-wool blend fabric
“Basically, through my years in the industry and my contacts I’m able to source high-end fabrics that are discounted due to over-production or simply because they are end-of run,” says Carlos of the fabrics he sources from European mills, some of which have been in operation for over 200 years. “These mills have been making fabrics for French royalty and have evolved into very modern mills that meet a variety of demands for a global customer base. Rather than just supplying Europe, due to online, they’re now supplying markets all around the world constantly,” says Carlos of the mills based in France, Spain, Portugal and Germany.
But just what is the saving? “Well for example, you might purchase a fine quality Spanish linen through an interior designer for $200-$275 per metre but we are able to retail it directly to the consumer for $55 per metre,” says Carlos of the range that includes humble ticking right through to lush velvets and damask.
French cotton toile
Carlos’ fabric knowledge is obviously extensive, as evidenced by his contracts with Sydney heritage properties Kirribilli House and Vaucluse House. Basically, he’s the go-to for both properties when they have a textile dilemma or something needs replacing. And it’s this knowledge that serves his customers well as he’s on hand to recommend how a fabric will work in different applications. “Through years of experience we know how a fabric will hang as a curtain, how it will work on an ottoman and we can make recommendations accordingly,” says Carlos whose Bowral-based workshop makes curtains and cushions to order too.
With no minimum purchase, customers can also request samples online. “The European product is superior – once people touch it and receive their fabric in the mail that’s when you can tell the difference. The Chinese fabrics are cheap but the quality is not there,” says Carlos.
Photography: Antonio Mendes (shot on location at Centennial Vineyards)
If you have even a passing interest in interiors, you’re no doubt aware of the famed British artist and decorative paint guru Annie Sloan. Much loved by up-cyclers the world over, Annie’s Chalk Paint (released in 1990), is the go-to product when revamping old furniture or homewares for its simple, primer-free application. Annie fans will be overjoyed to hear that the Brit has just released a range of 10 new cotton/linen blend fabrics that combine her most popular colours. And it’s no surprise that, like her popular chalk paints, the colour palette is pretty delectable.
“Colour combinations are the linchpin to all my work, both for painted furniture and interiors. I don’t believe that colours exist on their own – they are part of the colour story. My new range of linens is, for me, a total triumph as at last I have woven fabrics dyed to match the exact colours from my paint range. I have chosen these colours carefully to make both vibrant and strong, as well as subtle and soft, combinations,” says Annie.
The fabrics have been tumbled to ensure they have a super soft texture while remaining strong and durable enough for upholstery use. Also, because each fabric is a combination of two of Annie’s chalk paint colours, they are the perfect complement to her existing range. So now, you can upcyle your favourite chair with a combination of Annie’s paint and fabric too!
The combinations include Aubusson and Provence, Louis Blue and Graphite, French Linen and Old White, Scandinavian Pink and Provence, Emperor’s Silk and Florence, Coco and Duck Egg Blue, English Yellow and Antibes Green, Napoleonic Blue and Barcelona Orange, Emile and Graphite, Old White and Violet.
With 25 books (printed in 11 languages) and an ever-expanding range of interior products stocked via 1,500 stockists across the world, Annie is quite the decorating gun.
Named after the film director Wes Anderson, the Wes furniture range has all the whimsy and nostalgia of its namesake’s films.
Designed by Tom Fereday for SD Element, the Aussie-made range merges traditional upholstery techniques with minimal, modern design.
The range consists of an ottoman, armchair and lounge and we are particularly impressed by its completely seamless upholstery, slick contrast piping and modular capabilities.
We love the gorgeous sorbet-toned upholstery fabrics too — no doubt inspired by the film director’s dreamy, retro aesthetic.
With eco credentials also, the Wes range is constructed entirely from eco plywood and finished with solid Ash legs and natural fabrics.
Inspired by the diverse cultures of Africa, Mokum’s latest luxury textiles collection, Nomad, reflects its love of indigenous cultures and nomadic tribes.
Madagascar
With a range of upholstery and drapery fabrics, the collection mixes plush chenille, bold patterned jacquards, subtle earthy linen blends and sophisticated jute embroidery.
Nomad
The namesake of the collection, Nomad, is a graphic motif woven in a faux needle point construction. Fully reversible, it is incredibly flexible.
Berba
The collection also includes Berba, a heavy weight chenille jacquard fabric; Kuba Velvet, which pays homage to traditional Kuba cloths; Madagascar, a glamorous chevron; Tribe, a dramatic and practical statement upholstery; and Zebra, a modern take on the perennial Zebra skin.
Amazonas
The Nomad collection invites you to take a global journey via its sophisticated textiles, woven by the finest mills from around the world.
NOMI, makers of customised designer furniture have collaborated with Interiors Addict favourite Kip & Co, to release the Pala Chair.
Marking Nomi’s first foray into upholstery, the Kip & Co x NOMI collaboration, saw Kip & Co create their own version of the Pala Chair featuring two of their most colourful, original prints.
Extremely versatile, the Pala Chair can be used on its own or arranged in a linear series to create modular lounge configurations for the home, office or anywhere else. The Pala Chair is shipped flat in four components and like all NOMI products, assembly is made simple with no tools required.
Made from solid American Oak, the design draws inspiration from elements of bench seating found in spaces such as airports, together with a modern furniture aesthetic which embraces finely proportioned timber features.
The Kip & Co x NOMI collaboration Pala Chair is available through selected retailers. Visit NOMI for stockists.
If there’s one thing we love it’s a look behind the scenes! We also love upholstered bedheads and local craftmanship. So we wanted to share this video from Heatherly Design Bedheads, which are made by hand in Melbourne. Fascinating!
If you haven’t already, you need to know about Comfort Works. They sell slip covers in a huge variety of textiles, colours and patterns, to get your tired sofa looking like new again for a fraction of the cost of replacing it. It’s not only cheap, but great for the environment. And it all happens online (you can order up to eight free swatches).
They supply handmade covers for almost all the IKEA sofas and armchairs as well as a few Pottery Barn ones. Before too long, they promise to offer a custom service too, to suit pretty much any sofa. This appeals to me for so many reasons. I’m fickle, so I love the idea of being able to change up my couch for a few hundreds dollars every couple of years (yes, I know you should buy big items like sofas in neutrals, but we don’t always make the wise decisions). I’m currently loving the trend for velvet lounges and Comfort Works offer a variety of velvets as an option.
It’s also a great solution for those on a budget who might pick up a pre-loved couch on eBay and want to give it an easy makeover before they put it in their home. If you have kids and want to protect your sofa from spills and burp-ups for the next 12 months, here’s your answer! And then there’s the people with a ridiculously lived-in couch that has seen better days but they can’t bear to part with it because it is so comfy, even if it does look sorry for itself.
Last year, I partnered with Comfort Works, which is an Aussie business, to help my friend Amanda make over her sofa (I like to be able to vouch for quality before writing about things like this). She hated the colour of her IKEA lounge but, in the middle of saving for her wedding to Scott (incidentally, I was the MC and it was a stunning day!), couldn’t justify a new one. They were really happy with the result (shown below).
You can see many other people’s transformations on their flickr.
Amanda’s new look lounge
“We had bought the IKEA couch during a short period overseas with the intention of selling before we left. We ended up leaving earlier than planned for Scott’s work purposes so the company helped ship everything back to Sydney,” Amanda said. “The blue wasn’t a colour that was going to work with what I planned for the room, and the couch itself was absolutely fine so it seemed a waste to buy a new one when all I had wanted was to change the colour to grey!
“The option to have a cover which was going to fit perfectly was a winner. I was so happy when we got it. The material was strong and durable and the pieces fit each part of the couch like a glove! I couldn’t believe how they had worked out exactly the best way to have the piece fit; elastic in the right spot, velcro here and there. It looked like a professional upholstery job when we were done with it.
“I got to keep the couch but upgrade it. When this one wears out down the track or we change colour schemes, we have the option to replace it again! Brilliant.”
If you’re feeling brave, you might want to try their new addition, a DIY tufting kit which also works on upholstered headboards. You could use this on an existing sofa or in conjunction with a new slip cover.
You probably want to know what the catch is? Hard to say, as international shipping is free (well, refunded in full when you post a photo of your sofa transformation on their Facebook Page, which is smart marketing!), they recently won a Houzz award for great customer service, and you can expect to wait just four to six weeks for your sofa covers (a lot quicker than waiting for a brand new sofa these days!).
I recently had the pleasure on a rare trip to Redfern (to Seasonal Concepts, if you’re asking) of stumbling across a shop called A Pair of Chairs. I love chairs, especially old chairs from a time when all furniture, expensive or budget, was made to last.
This lady, Kim Stewart, loves chairs even more than I do. It was her obvious passion for and knowledge of chairs, and her excitement at stripping back and revamping old chairs, reupholstering and covering them in fabrics and colours of her customer’s choice, that kept me inside so long. Soaking up other people’s passion for their job is one of my favourite things about meeting people through this blog.
My Bespoke Chair claims to be the world’s first 3D online chair design studio.
British/Dutch artist Emma Veiga‐Malta, who has a studio in Sydney’s Mosman, founded My Bespoke Chair as a natural progression from the parent company Bespoke Art. While creating tailor‐made art and fabrics, she had many clients request specific and unusual fabric combinations for their upholstery. With the internet streamlining business, and the increasing upholstery work at Bespoke Art, Emma put two and two together and created My Bespoke Chair.
“It captures the zeitgeist of social, online shopping and mobile, smart technologies. We have developed an online “point and click” tool which gives the customer total design freedom,” says Emma. “All our fabric designs start life as hand painted art, designed in‐house. The fabrics are exclusively ours, printed in limited runs, ensuring that every chair is a work of art.”
The customer chooses a chair style, then scrolls through the collection of fabrics and selects all the chair’s upholstered elements in any combination. They can spin the chair 360 degrees to view their design from every angle.
We’ve become used to designing our own shoes, jewellery, pretty much everything these days! Now the same goes for bedheads and Emily Lochran’s The Fabric Frame has some lovely options.
This fun, family home in the Canberra suburbs belongs to Lisa Barrett, husband Chris, sons Dylan and Hugo and dog Brindi. In her spare time the busy mum creates one-of-a-kind reupholstered chairs to sell on Etsy and at markets.
